First aid is a critical intervention that can prevent death and disabilities by providing timely assistance before professional medical support arrives.

The importance of first aid cannot be overstated as it is a vital skill needed during emergency situations.

But in Ghana, countless lives are lost due to the lack of basic first aid knowledge.

Available statistics indicate that over 60% of accident fatalities in Ghana could be prevented with timely first-aid intervention.

Determined to change the narrative, AngloGold Ashanti has launched a basic first aid training in schools in Obuasi.

This is part of the company’s integrated health education programme.

The programme, which is initially targeting public schools in Obuasi, is geared towards promoting habits and values of good hygiene and sanitation including menstrual hygiene management and safety.

More than 200 students of the Anyinam Methodist A and B primary school were the first to benefit from the maiden edition of the programme.

Safety professionals from the AGA Obuasi Mine’s Occupational Health and Safety department, them through basic and practical rudiments of First Aid toolkits.

The training covered essential skills like accessing a harmful situation and controlling bleeding during injury.

Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, said the programme is expected to bring health education to doorsteps of school children in a bid to promote a healthy, physical, psychosocial and conducive learning environment.

This is to promote attendance and academic competence while preventing illness- related absenteeism.

She mentioned that first aid is an essential life skill that empowers individuals to act in emergencies.
"Teaching first aid in schools not only equips students with the ability to manage unexpected situations but also fosters a culture of care and responsibility,” she said.